After performing remedial work and grading, the summit access road is re-opened to the public. Vehicular access above the Halepohaku area will be by 4-wheel drive only and no 2-wheel drive vehicles will be allowed past the end of the paved road.

The Maunakea Rangers thank you for your patience and understanding.

This announcement is primarily used to inform the public about road closures.

There are fewer weather related road closures from April through November, and this message will not be updated during this time period unless necessary.

The rest of this website is regularly updated with the summit weather forecast and is a useful source of current Maunakea weather conditions.

The Maunakea Rangers thank you for your patience and understanding.

This announcement is primarily used to inform the public about road closures. Road closures typically occur during winter months due to ice or snow on the road and occasionally in high wind situations. Specific road closure criteria are listed below:

1. Any ice or snow on the road.
2. Winds greater than 55 mph for more than 1 hour and/or gusts greater than 65mph.
3. Visibility less than 50 feet.
4. Any emergent condition that makes the road unsafe for travel.

There are very few road closures from April 1 through November 30, and this message will not be updated during this time period unless unusual circumstances develop.

The rest of this website is regularly updated with the summit weather forecast and is a useful source of current Mauna Kea weather conditions.

More Information: Mauna Kea weather varies widely. A calm sunny day may quickly become treacherous with hurricane force winds and blizzard conditions. Summit winds above 120 mph are not uncommon. Snowstorms have even occurred during the summer months.

When conditions are too dangerous, the Summit Access road is closed at the Visitor Information Station to ensure everyone's safety. The road is re-opened as soon as the weather and the roads are safe again.

Traffic delays and road closures on the summit access road may also occur due to the use and transport of heavy equipment, slow vehicle movements, deliveries, road maintenance, stalled or abandoned vehicles, hikers and bikers. Remember that dust, fog or snow can reduce visibility and slow traffic.
Specific road closure criteria is listed below:

1. Any ice or snow on the road.2. Winds greater than 55 mph for one hour and/or gusts greater than 65 mph.3. Visibility less than 50 feet.4. Any emergent condition that makes the road unsafe for travel.

Visiting Mauna Kea Observatories Information
Road is always closed the morning after a snowfall.
Road is always closed while snow removal equipment is in operation.
Road is closed when the pavement has ice/snow.
Snow removal equipment can only remove snow. Thermal heating is needed to remove the final layer of ice that usually forms under the snow.Other information for visitors to Mauna Kea.